Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ Matthew 19:14
Welcome to the Early Years Foundation Stage at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.
The EYFS Team are thrilled to welcome you and your child into our school family. The first year of school is a vital time in your child’s journey. It helps them to settle into school life and routines, make new friends, build positive relationships with staff and, most importantly, develop the strong foundations for learning that will support them throughout their time at school
A Warm Start to School Life
Beginning school is a big and exciting step for every child. At St Joseph’s, our Reception class provides a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment where children feel happy, cared for and ready to learn. We want every child’s first experiences of school to be filled with curiosity, confidence and joy.
Our Approach to Learning
We believe that children learn best when they are active, engaged and having fun. Our Reception curriculum is carefully planned to build the foundations for future learning, while encouraging independence, creativity and a love of discovery.
- Learning through play – purposeful play underpins everything we do, helping children explore ideas, solve problems and make sense of the world.
- Early literacy and maths – daily phonics, stories, songs and practical activities help children develop strong reading, writing and number skills.
- Personal and social development – children learn to work together, share, take turns and talk about their feelings in a supportive environment.
- Creative and active opportunities – from role play to music, art, dance and outdoor learning, children develop confidence, imagination and physical skills.
The Reception Environment
Our Reception classroom is bright and inviting, with areas for reading, writing, construction, role play, creative work and small group activities. Outdoors, children enjoy a wide range of experiences including water play, gardening, climbing, cycling and exploring nature. Both indoors and outdoors are seen as part of one learning environment, encouraging children to follow their interests and try new things.
Working in Partnership with Parents
We know that the best outcomes for children come when schools and families work together. From the very first home visit to regular updates and invitations to workshops, we make sure parents are involved in their child’s learning journey. We value your insight and love to celebrate achievements together.
Enriching Experiences
Throughout the year, our Reception children enjoy a wide variety of events and special activities, such as:
- Seasonal celebrations and festivals
- Visitors and workshops in school
- Trips to the local area and beyond
- Theme days linked to class topics
- Performances and assemblies
These experiences broaden children’s horizons and make learning memorable.
Preparing for the Future
By the end of Reception, children are confident, independent learners who are well-prepared for the transition into Year 1. They have developed strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics, as well as resilience, curiosity and a love of learning that will support them throughout their time at St Joseph’s.
Come and See Us
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision. We warmly invite you to visit our Reception class, meet our staff and see our children enjoying their learning. For more information, please visit our Starting School page.
EYFS Curriculum
The curricular goals show our aspirations for all children to achieve by the end of the EYFS year.
Being ready for school
Useful weblinks and top tips from the BBC and Cbeebies:
- Starting School with CBeebies
- CBeebies Ready for School – Join CBeebies as we get ready for School with these exciting school themed episodes!
- BBC Bitesize: Starting Primary School – Advice and games to help you and your child prepare for primary school, then thrive during their first year.
- CBeebies Seven tips to help prepare for primary school
Useful Links to help prepare your child for school: